Instant Pot Chai Applesauce

Hi friends! Now that it’s almost Fall, I’m resharing this recipe from last year because it’s perfect for this time of year. We’re planning on apple picking this weekend and I know this will be the first thing I make with our bounty. It’s so incredible delicious and perfect as a snack, topped on waffles or stirred into yogurt. Enjoy! xo

It’s the question I now ask myself when cooking. I could make it on the stove. Or, I could make it in my Instant Pot! I know this appliance isn’t a miracle worker, but it feels that way sometimes.

Ironically, I’ve owned a pressure cooker for years and rarely touched it. I pulled it out of the basement every so often when I needed to make beans from scratch and running out of time. It was heavy and rattled on the stove as hot, hissing steam came pouring out of it. It’s probably also why I have to remind my mom over and over again that the Instant Pot is not like the old pressure cookers; there’s no fear of the top exploding or the rattling pot going off the stove.

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I upgraded. I gave away my old pressure cooker, bought myself the Instant Pot and haven’t looked back since. Now, recipes that seemed to take way too long are now made much faster- with just as much flavor.

Like applesauce! A dessert that I love but would hardly ever make. The idea of slow-simmered apples always sounds like a great idea, but one that I never got around to actually doing. Not here. This applesauce is made in the Instant Pot and seasoned with chai flavors. It’s warm, comforting and super delicious– not to mention made in less than 15 minutes.

The idea came to me a few weeks ago when I was enjoying a hot chai apple cider. Some genius combined chai tea and apple cider and after downing cup after cup, I decided to do the same with applesauce.

Chop up your apples, throw in warming chai spices and a pinch of lemon juice and Instant Pot it! In less than 15 minutes, you’ve got perfect applesauce. As you can tell from the photos, this one is a little chunky (just the way I like it) but if you prefer a super thin applesauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree it just a bit.

No Instant Pot? Well, that’s Ok. Although, I should prepare you (again) that I’ve got a ton of IP recipes coming your way soon. Including a no-knead rosemary whole-wheat bread that will knock your pressure-cooker socks off. It’s OK if you don’t plan on ever getting one as I’ll always provide alternative options, but this is me recommending that you grab one. You can thank me later.

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About Alex

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, Plant-Based Chef and Yoga Instructor. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Her blog, Delish Knowledge, focuses on making whole-food eating deliciously simple. She lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband, running buddy and taste-tester BL.

If you are interested in personal nutrition coaching, please visit her services page.